Michael Franklin Gauble's Obituary
Michael Franklin Gauble, 81, passed away at his home in Chesterfield, Missouri on August 16, 2024. Mike was born on September 20, 1942 in Peoria, Illinois, son of Clifford and Eleanor (Soland) Gauble. He married Kay Snyder on December 24, 1961 in Girard, Illinois.
Mike is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Kay (Snyder) Gauble, mother-in-law, Margaret Vedder, sisters-in-law, Judy (Bob) Whitworth of Grand Island, FL, Karen Snell of Columbia, MO, Becky (Lance) Gauble of Decatur, IL, and brother-in-law, William (Tami) Snyder of Girard, IL. He is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews: Kevin (Laura) Whitworth, Angela (Terry) Fisher, Jill Rogers, Shani (Tronnie) Goss, Andrea (Randall) Rogers, Tara (Chuck) Conway, and Kris (Lara) Whitworth. Upon death, he had fifteen great nieces and nephews and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Cade Snyder. His father-in-law, Francis Synder; and his brother, Lance Gauble, who passed away on August 21, 2024.
Mike graduated from Girard High School in 1960 and attended the University of Illinois; Champaign/Urbana. He graduated from McKendree University in 1966 and received his Master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1967. Mike worked at McDonnell Douglas from 1967 - 1990. He then worked for Lockheed Martin (GE Aerospace) from 1991 until his retirement in 2004.
Mike was passionate about many things. He belonged to the Gateway Western Train Club and had an elaborate model train layout in his home. He loved car racing, the Cubs, fishing, music of all genres, and good food with good wine and good conversation. His two biggest passions, however, were his nieces and nephews and McKendree University. Mike would do anything for his nieces and nephews and stepped up when anything was needed, from new computers to words of encouragement. He was the ultimate McKendree University fan, and a lover of the university’s many sports. He and Kay also sponsored musical artists at the Hett at McKendree University, bringing many talented and revered musicians to campus. Mike will be greatly missed.
He served on the Board of Trustees at McKendree University for 45 years, stepping down in May 2024. He received the designation of Trustee Emeritus at the commencement this year, the reason flags were at half-mast when McKendree University started classes this fall.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts at McKendree University,701 College Road, Lebanon, Illinois 62254.
Mike preferred no flowers in lieu of donations to his beloved McKendree University. Go Bearcats!
Aquamation services provided by Hughes Funeral & Aquamation Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Friends and family can sign an online guestbook at www.HughesFuneralAlternatives.com
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